The PWHL season is here. For some it's a return to comfortable surroundings, for others it's a fresh start or new opportunity. Every new season provides a chance for players who underperformed to steal the show and step up, and after the PWHL's inaugural season, and an extra long offseason, there are a number of players across the league who could fall into this breakout category. Here's a look at potential breakout players from each of the PWHL's six rosters.

Boston Fleet

Can you call a future Hall of Famer a breakout candidate? If you can, Hilary Knight is poised for a possible offensive explosion this season. Lined up alongside Alina Muller, who is returning to her natural position at center, and Hannah Bilka puts Knight into a role where her best assets can shine. Muller and Bilka will generate the movement and speed, and Knight will be able to find soft spots, or use her net front presence to produce. While she's a rookie, Daniela Pejšová's North American introduction will be one to watch as well. She's big, mobile, and physical. She may not be Boston's blueline star on day one, but by the New Year, she could be one of the top defenders in the league.

Minnesota Frost

Michela Cava was a playoff star, and if Minnesota starts her alongside Taylor Heise and Kendall Coyne Schofield where she had immense success in the postseason, she could jump forward as a more prominent star in this league. She has won four straight titles in Sweden, Russia, the PHF, and last year PWHL. That kind of experience is invaluable, and now she has the chance to show the prominent role she's played in each of those runs for a full season. With Sophie Jaques getting a fresh start in Minnesota last year, it will be interesting to see how far her game can come this season. The excitement level for her entrance to the PWHL was high, followed quickly by a fall from grace with both Team Canada and Boston. This year she's starting in a place where she found success. Her ceiling in this league is unknown, but this year will be a good benchmark.

Montreal Victoire

Lina Ljungblom will benefit from the chance to play alongside Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey. We know she can score, we know she's physical, but at only 23, she's still getting better, and if she clicks with Montreal's top line, the Victoire may have won a major victory in the inaugural draft. The other player to watch in Montreal is Kristin O'Neill. O'Neill does so many things well. Her versatility has kept her as a valued member of Canada's national team. Last year however, she struggled to hit the scoresheet until after the World Championships. If she can pick up where she left off, we might see a big jump from O'Neill, and she may be a player we talk about more regularly as the year goes on.

New York Sirens

Elizabeth Giguere has immense upside, but many players struggled in New York last season. This will be Giguere's chance to prove herself under a new coach, and playing alongside stronger linemates. She's big, and a good playmaker. Last year at times she looked like she was a step behind, but the former Patty Kazmaier winner looks primed for a possible leap forward. New York will hope for bounce back seasons from many on their roster, including a defensive corps that struggled to, well, play defence. If there's another possible breakout star in New York's midst, it's Noora Tulus. Everyone expects Sarah Fillier to come in and make an impact, but Tulus will provide a secondary threat. She uses her speed well, and is often overlooked as an excellent penalty killer. With two lines of talent ready to roll in New York, Tulus is positioned for potential breakout status.

Ottawa Charge

There are two names to watch up front in Ottawa. One, Anna Meixner could cause general managers to cringe knowing they passed on her at the draft. She has the skillset to be a scorer in this league and could find top six success in Ottawa replacing Daryl Watts. Another name to keep an eye on in Ottawa is Rebecca Leslie. Handed a checking role at the pro level, Leslie was once a high end scorer in the NCAA. She'll be playing a bigger role in Ottawa than she got last season in Toronto, and despite limited minutes, she produced above expectations. If the opportunity presents, Leslie could surprise fans. While it would hardly be a breakout, watch for big things in Ottawa from new defender Ronja Savolainen, and watch for an Emerance Maschmeyer who this year asserts herself into the Goaltender of the Year conversation.

Toronto Sceptres

Toronto has players like Hannah Miller and Kali Flanagan that on any other team would already be getting the spotlight. Flanagan is often overlooked in the conversation of elite blueliners in this league, but she's every bit as valuable in Toronto as their Team Canada duo. The real steal in Toronto could be Izzy Daniel. Daniel is a cerebral player who combines speed, creativity, and positioning. She fits Toronto's style, and looks like she'll get a good look in Toronto's top six. It was surprising to see teams pass on her early in the draft, and Daniel looks poised to prove that point.